Mau Belajar Tari Saman? Kamu Harus Perhatikan Hal Ini!

Tari Ratoh Doek, atau masyarakat mengenalnya dengan nama Tari Saman. Tarian asal Aceh ini cukup populer di kalangan masyarakat Indonesia hingga internasional. Khususnya bagi para remaja SMP - SMA, tari saman ini sudah menjadi ekskul di banyak sekolah.

Tari Saman kebanyakan di tarikan oleh cewe. Ekskul tari saman itu ibarat kayak ekskul cheerleader, isinya cewe semua. Tapi bukan berarti cowo gak bisa ikut dalam tari saman. Penyanyi (Syekh), pemain musik (Rapa'i & Ketimpring), dan bahkan penari pun ada juga cowo yang ikut. Ya seperti gua inilah.

Gua bukan penari saman professional atau dulunya ikut ekskul saman. Gua mulai nari saman waktu masuk kuliah tahun ketiga di Ritsumeikan APU, Jepang. Pas itu gua ikut acara exchange dengan masyarakat lokal sampe akhirnya gua rutin ikut saman buat tampil di acara pembukaan semester baru di semester Spring (April).

Dari pengalaman gua sebagai penari saman, gua mau sedikit sharing mengenai apa aja sih yang harus kalian perhatikan sebelum kamu menari saman. Gua yakin bayak dari kamu yang berminat untuk belajar tari saman. Tapi sebelum belajar, kalian harus perhatikan hal berikut:

1. Pastikan Tulang Belakang Kalian Gak Bermasalah

Tari saman itu kalian harus duduk bersimpuh dan menegakkan badang selama 8 - 10 menit. Selama itu banyak gerakan tari yang di tarikan dengan tempo lambat atau cepat. Makanya, pastikan tulang belakang kalian gak ada penyakit atau cedera. Karena bisa membahayakan kamu saat kamu menari nanti, terlebih lagi tulang belakang ini pusatnya syaraf tubuh. Jadi, jangan sampai tari saman mencederai tulang belakang kamu.

2. Pastikan Kaki Dalam Keadaan Fit

Seperti yang gua bilang tadi, tari saman itu kita menari sambil duduk bersimpuh. Bukan itu aja, kita harus menggenjot badan kita agar tarian terlihat tidak kaku dan lebih menarik. Untuk itulah, kaki kalian harus di pastikan dalam keadaan fit, dan sedang tidak cedera terutaman di bagian lutut sampai ujung jempol.

Buat yang punya riwayat patah tulang, sebaiknya kamu tanya dokter apakah kaki kamu cukup aman untuk menari saman. Karena bisa aja cedera kamu kambuh lagi sewaktu-waktu.

3. Punya Celana Bahan Dan Celana Training

Karena tari saman itu kostum bawahannya harus celana panjang warna hitam, maka dari itu siapkanlah celana bahan warna hitam. Kalo celana training itu buat latihan sih, tapi penting juga lho, karena latihan samanpun kamu gak boleh pake celana pendek apalagi yang di atas lutut. Bisa-bisa lecet kaki kamu. Ini supaya kamu terbiasa menari dengan celana panjang juga.

4. Punya Ankle Protector

Ankle protector itu fungsinya untuk melindungi lutut dan ankle kamu. Duduk bersimpuh selama 1 menit aja bisa pegel apalagi 8 - 10 menit. Dah gitu kamu harus menggenjot badan kamu dan beberapa gerakan tari saman mengharuskan kamu berlutut atau menempelkan badan ke lantai. Kalo gak pake ankle protector, kamu bakalan cepet pegel nanti dan kaki kamu bisa memar. Jadi siapin ya ankle protector. Di toko olahraga biasanya jual kok.

Nah itulah hal-hal yang perlu kalian perhatikan sebelum kalian memulai belajar tari saman. Emang sih yang gua bilang sepele, tapi kalo kamu nyuekin 4 hal di atas, kamu gak bisa menari dengan maksimal. Menari itu gak melulu soal hapal gerakan doang, tapi ketahanan fisik juga perlu karena meskipun kamu bisa menghapal gerakan dengan baik tapi kalo badan kamu gak kuat, ya gak akan maksimal.

So, mari belajar menari saman dan lestarikan seni budaya Indonesia. Kalo bukan kita terus siapa lagi dong?

Simak juga video di bawah ini!

5 Interesting Facts About Indonesia That Indonesia Might Don't Know

Hey hey heeeyyyy 😁

Apa kabar? Semoga kalian sehat selalu ya 👍

(How are you? I hope you're good)

Alright, after several articles I didn't write in English, it's time for me to go back being International (Ummm, I mean back to introduce Indonesia to the world).

By the way, I never talk about something like 'Unique facts' or 'Interesting facts' about Indonesia, don't I? Well, I'm gonna start '5 interesting' topics from this article.

As you know, Indonesia is biiiiiiiggggg country with more than 10,000 islands inside (the exact number is changing so I can't say how many islands in Indonesia), colorful tribes, and interesting culture.

You might know Indonesia from bright side such as, foreign people often say that Indonesian society is really nice, the girls are beautiful, the nature is extremely amazing, and the food is delicious. What about the unique one? You might refer to awesome traditional dance or the custom. 

What about the interesting and mysterious one? Do you know? Well, I know 😎😎

Here we go 5 interesting facts about Indonesia that surprising you. Even Indonesian might don't know about this:

1. Bermuda Triangle in Indonesia?????

You know Bermuda Triangle right? The danger and mysterious spot in the sea between Bermuda island, Florida, and San Juan - Puerto Rico. There's so many mysterious accident in there such as missing airplane, sink ships, and many more.

Well, Indonesia also have Bermuda Triangle. We call it "Masalembo Triangle" since this Bermuda Triangle connecting Bawean island, Majene town - West Sulawesi, and middle island in Java sea and Masalembo sea.

There's so many accident and mysterious phenomena occur in Masalembo Triangle. 2007 is the year when Masalembo Triangle took many lives. The missing airplane, Adam Air was missing alongside with its passengers and crew in 1st January 2007; Mutiara Indah ship and Fajar Mas ship both sank in July 2007, and Sumber Awal ship sank in August 2007. All of them are passenger's ship!

According to local society's myth, Masalembo sea is the place where 'Kingdom of spirit or kingdom of demon' exist. You have to greeting and give sacrifice before passing Masalembo sea so that you won't get accident.

Well, myth is just myth. There's scientific explanation behind it. So, there's strong wind stream coming from west and two different wind stream from north. What kind of wind stream, I can't find out, tell me if you know. Both streams are meeting in Masalembo sea and bringing sea's material. This phenomena occur in December - January and July - August. That's why those accidents that I mentioned before happened in January and July.

2.  Most Expensive Coffee In The World

When you hear most expensive coffee in the world, what do you think? Starbucks? Brazilian coffee? Or, Ethiopia coffee? No, no, none of them!

Kopi Luwak or Civet Coffee is the most expensive coffee in the world

It's Indonesia's Kopi Luwak or in English is Civet coffee. Yes, civet coffee is the most expensive coffee in the world and I haven't drink it although I'm Indonesian 😅😅

Civet coffee made by mongoose’s feces. Mongoose eat coffee’s fruit from coffee plant, then when they poop, we take the coffee beans from the feces and clean it. Sounds disgusting? But people still looking for civet coffee y'know! Come to Indonesia, I'll show you the cheap place for drink civet coffee.

3. Jakarta Is The Biggest City For Shopping Mall

Once you landing in Soekarno-Hatta International airport, I'll welcome you with 'Welcome To Shopping Mall Paradise 👏👏👏'. Because you'll see shopping mall in everywhere!

Big one, modern one, traditional one, all in Jakarta! If you ask Jabodetabek (Jakarta - Bogor - Depok - Bekasi) citizen how they spend their time in weekend, in average, they will answer: "Going to shopping mall to watch movie" "Going to shopping mall to buy some stuffs" "Going to shopping mall for dating".

Yeah, shopping mall, shopping mall, and shopping mall 😒😒! In weekend, shopping mall become main factor of traffic jam. In total, there are 130 shopping malls in Jakarta, the highest among bigger city in the world! OMG, and there some shopping mall are under construction. Ohhhh Jakarta!!!

4. First Asian Countries Who Play In World Cup

Japan? South Korea? Saudi Arabia? No no no no, none of them!

It's Indonesia! Yes, 1938 FIFA World Cup France was the first and last appearance for Indonesia. However, at that time, the name wasn't 'Indonesia' but 'East Indies'.

At that time, Indonesia still colonized by Holland. I won't tell you how come Indonesia can participate in World Cup because it's full of politics story, but anyway 1938 is the first and last Indonesia appearance in the biggest football tournament in the world.

5.  Four Times Changing Capital City

There's no single country that change their capital city until four times except Indonesia.

Jakarta (1945 -1946), Yogyakarta (1946 - 1948), Bukittinggi (1948 - 1949), Jakarta (1950 - current).

And there's rumor said that current Indonesia government are thinking to change capital city to Kalimantan island. If it happen, wow there's so much messy things that government must face. I can't wait for it.

That's all 5 interesting facts about Indonesia. Curious? Just come to Indonesia anytime you want. We always welcome you.

My Top 3 Beach Recommendations In North Sumatra Province

When you hear about North Sumatra Province, most of you will refer to Batak tribe or Lake Toba. Indeed, Batak tribe and Lake Toba are trademark for North Sumatra tourism. However, North Sumatra is bigger and more beautiful than you think. Especially, natural tourism.

After exploring Lake Toba, I'd like to explore where is beautiful beach in North Sumatra. Eventually, there are two beach location, first one in Serdang Bedagai district and second one in Sibolga district. Since Sibolga district is so far from Medan city, so I went to the nearest beach location which is Serdang Bedagai, 45 km from Medan city.

I found there are at least 3 beautiful beaches in Serdang Bedagai district which I'd like to recommend to you. This three beaches are in the same regency which very accessible and comfortable for tourists. 

Here they are, 3 beautiful beaches in Serdang Bedagai district, North Sumatra:

1. Pantai Cermin

In English, the word "cermin" means "mirror" and "pantai" is "beach". So, it means Mirror Beach. Why Mirror? Because the sand's color is very white like a real mirror and it's very soft.

Pantai Cermin also known as "Water Theme Park Beach" because there's water theme park inside Pantai Cermin that becomes favorite destination for local tourists especially for family trip. So, the collaboration between natural beach and modern recreation makes Pantai Cermin unique.

The water theme park attraction include:

- Slide and Pool

- Watersport

- Water Castle

- Horse Riding

- Mini Zoo

- Bird Park

- Splash Pool

- Lazy Pool

The enter cost is super cheap, it only takes Rp 5000,- / person = $0.37! Wow, you can enjoy the beauty of "mirror" sand in Pantai Cermin with very cheap price! Include Pantai Cermin in your holiday's destination, especially, if you plan to visit North Sumatra province.

2. Pantai Pondok Permai

In Indonesia vocabulary, "pondok" means "cottage" and "permai" means "pleasant". So from the name, you can have an image about what kind of place Pantai Pondok Permai is.

Yup, it's a beach where there are so many cottages in the edge of the beach which so pleasant to have picnic with your family or loved one. Moreover, there are also cottage for event venue, that's why Pantai Pondok Permai is often being univesity or high school reunion or family gathering venue.

Talking about family gathering, Pantai Pondok Permai is the best place for family trip, especially who really like picnic, Pantai Pondok Permai can provide the memorable family trip. Like I mentioned before, there are a lot of cottages that prepared for family who'd like to bring their own food and have picnic in the beach. It's really good feeling to have a lunch together with our lovely family with beach as a view.

In addition, you can ride banana boat, speadboat, and small boat for going around the sea in Pantai Pondok Permai. You can rent the boat and life jacket in the store.

If you are looking for where is the best place for picnic with beach view or unique gathering place, Pantai Pondok Permai is my recommendation.

3. Pantai Bali Lestari

Last but not least, North Sumatra's popular beach, which is Pantai Bali Lestari. Why it's so popular among North Sumatra society? From the name, you can guess right? 

Well, you can feel like you are in Bali's beach in Pantai Bali Lestari. The beach atmosphere, Bali decoration, hanging umbrella, and Hindu temple gate makes tourists feel like they are in Bali. So, North Sumatra society don't need to spend a lot of money to go to Bali. Just visit Pantai Bali Lestari and they can feel the atmosphere of Bali's beach. 

"Why there's "Bali" in North Sumatra?" that's my first reaction when I hear Pantai Bali Lestari. I never hear there's place called Pantai Bali Lestari. Of course I never hear, Pantai Bali Lestari is new tourist object. In 2011, the regent of Serdang Bedagai district inaugurated Pantai Bali Lestari as new tourist site in Serdang Bedagai district.

Pantai Bali Lestari provide fun attractions such as:

- Banan Boat

- Jet Ski

- Small Ferry for going around the sea

Moreover, you can enjoy sea food meal in sea food restaurant with outdoor style. 

Most of tourists like to take a picture in front of Hindu temple gate and in front of "Pantai Bali Lestari" banner in the wall.

It's so unique right? North Sumatra have their own Bali. So, if you are looking for exotic beach in North Sumatra, Pantai Bali Lestari is the right place.

Actually, there's another beach area in Sibolga district. However, since Sibolga district is so far from Medan city, so I recommend you to visit Serdang Bedagai's beach area which is Pantai Cermin. Those 3 beaches that I shared, are my top recommendation.

The beauty of North Sumatra's natural tourism is REAL. So, let's explore it!

Also visit:

Let's Have A Look Inside Indonesia Biggest Lake, Lake Toba

Medan City Shows Bhineka Tunggal Ika "The Unity Diversity" Philosophy

Jalan Jalan Medan 2: Danau Toba // Lake Toba (Eng and Japanese Sub) 

Jalan - Jalan Medan 1 Edisi: 'Explore The City Of Unity In Diversity' 

       

Let's Have A Look Inside Indonesia Biggest Lake, Lake Toba

Lake Toba

Indonesia tourism never fail to impress travel lovers around the world. Not only the beauty of the nature and colorful society with tribes diversity, but the history behind it is really amazing.

Lake Toba, the biggest lake in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, has unique and mysterious story behind its beauty. Moreover, around Lake Toba, there are so many unique and awesome places that makes you really love to travelling in North Sumatra province.

In previous article, I showed you 5 great places in Medan city, the capital city of North Sumatra province which makes Medan city is "Bhineka Tunggal Ika (Unity In Diversity)" represent city. However, Medan city is only small part of the greatest of North Sumatra province. Lake Toba is trademark and icon of North Sumatra and Indonesia tourism.

Why Lake Toba is always be favorite place for people to enjoy their holiday? What kind of story and mystery behind Lake Toba? And are there any great places around Lake Toba that you must visit?

Let me share my travel story in Lake Toba in the beginning of 2017. 

I'd like to guide you by this article, to have a look inside Lake Toba and the great places around Lake Toba.

Lake Toba, Or I Have To Say 'Mt. Toba'

Lake Toba is the largest and biggest lake in Indonesia as well as Southeast Asia with over 1145 square km with depth around 450 m. Even Lake Toba is one of the deepest lake in the world 

You must be amazed when you see Lake Toba by seeing photos above or photos in Indonesia travel website. You'll be more impressed when you see by your own eyes because even me as Indonesian, I don't know that Lake Toba is very beautiful, the lake and "Bukit Barisan" hills around the lake. 

However, behind Lake Toba's beauty, there's long story and mystery how this Lake was made.

I made research about Lake Toba history from several website. The story behind Lake Toba makes me scary but at the same time, it makes me proud to be Indonesian.

Lake Toba, or I'd like to say 'Mt. Toba'. Yes, it's 'Mt. Toba' not 'Lake Toba'. Before being a lake, Lake Toba was very high mountain. Until now, there are many speculations about the height of Mt. Toba. Around 75,000 years ago, Mt. Toba extremely exploded. It was considered as the most terrible explosion in earth history, that kill almost all humans in the earth and 6 years without sun. The effect of this explosion was Mt. Toba totally destroyed and create very big caldera with one island stayed in the middle. That big caldera for 75,000 years filled by rain and it turns to be a lake. The island in the middle we known as "Samosir Island". Yesss, that's the story behind Lake Toba.

Actually, if we discuss about Lake Toba, it won't be end because there's still so many mysteries in Lake Toba, at least that's what heard from local community who're living around Lake Toba. 

Sipiso-piso Waterfall

Sipiso-piso waterfall located in Tongging village, Karo town. Sipiso-piso waterfall one of the nature sites around Lake Toba that very famous because the beauty of this waterfall.

The name "Sipiso-piso" is from Indonesian words "Pisau or Indonesian usually said, Piso" means knife. Furthermore, the waterfall that have height 120 m / 800 mdpl, is flowing like a knife. Some people said that, if you touch the water from waterfall directly it can hurt your body like you stabbed by knife. 

Sipiso-piso waterfall is one of the tallest waterfall in Indonesia. It's only "one of the". Because the tallest waterfall in Indonesia is located in North Sumatra as well. I'll write about it later.

If you want to feel the sensation of Sipiso-piso waterfall, there's a way to go down until bottom of the waterfall. However, let me share my experience. When you arrive in Sipiso-piso waterfall, you will see the waterfall from top of the hill. So when you challenge yourself to go down into waterfall's bottom, it's same as you climb down the hill. It's okay when you go down, but when you go up, makes sure you have enough power and water because it same as you climb the hill.

However, your hard work will be paid off once you arrive in the bottom of Sipiso-piso waterfall. You can feel the sensation, joy, and good feeling from torrent of waterfall. If you lucky, you can see a rainbow from Sipiso-piso waterfall that gives you the best travel experience in Sipiso-piso waterfall. 

Silalahisinabungan Monument, Jakarta's Monas Looks Like Monument

Yeah, it looks like Jakarta's Monumen Nasional (Monas) because the gold on the top of the monument looks similar with Monas, but it's different monument and have no relation with Monas.

Silalahi Sinabungan Monument was built in 1967 and officiated in 1981. Silalahisinabungan Monument is located in Silalahi Nabolak, in the edge of the Lake Toba.

Beside the monument, there's Batak tribe traditional house, Ruma Balon Silalahisabungan King. So, if you love photography, you can get two objects in the same place and time.

In monument, you can see the paints that described life in Silalahisabungan Kingdom and how Silalahisabungan King's government work. There's also description about Silalahisabungan King in the monument. All of these are written by Batak language, the language of Batak tribe, you I can't translate it for you.

Moreover, you can getting close with Lake Toba and enjoy the air and peaceful atmosphere. I suggest you to come Silalahisabungan Monument in afternoon time, because the scenery is really beautiful. Unfortunately, when I went there, it's rainy day so I couldn't enjoy sunset here. But still, it's worth to visit.

Tarutung Town, The Cleanest City  Only One Soda Bathing Place In The World

Let's go to the city that takes 2 hours from Lake Toba, the cleanest city in North Sumatra that I ever see, Tarutung town, North Tapanuli.

No offense, but everytime I pass market district in every town in North Sumatra, there's always trashes on the street. It doesn't look nice and it's quite dirty! However, in Tarutung town, I didn't see any trashes on the street even when I passed the market district. The river is also clean, although the color is brown, but there's no trashes passing on the river's flow. That's really really shocking me and the rest of my big family who have trip with me. I never see such a clean town in Indonesia like Tarutung town. The other city especially bigger city must follow Tarutung town cleanliness because clean city is better place to live.

Moreover, Tarutung town has more than its cleanliness. Tarutung town has soda water resource that use for public bath and it's the only one place in Indonesia. Even in the world, there are only two soda water resource, one in Venezuela and one in Tarutung town. However, soda water in Venezuela, I heard rumor that it won't use for public bath, which means Tarutung town's soda water resouorce is the only one soda water bathing place IN THE WORLD!

Woooowwww, that's why I'm so proud to be Indonesian 😁😁😁

Tarutung town's Soda water was found by Minar Sihite in 1973. At first, local community feel the place where soda water belong was scary place because the paddy that was planted near soda water were died. Furthermore, the red color around soda water give 'mystical' impression for local Batak community. That's why they call soda water as Aek Rara, "Aek" means water and "Rara" means red.

Even though there's mystical impression from this soda water, Minar Sihite build bathing place in this soda water and in 1990 Tarutung town Soda Water Public Bath was officially opened.

So, North Sumatra has nature resources that never fail to impress tourist and make Indonesian proud to be Indonesian. The only one soda water public bath in the world is exist in Tarutung town, North Tapanuli. Don't miss the opportunity to clean your body with natural soda water. Visit Tarutung town Soda Water Public Bath 😁😁








Actually, there are more nature sites around Lake Toba that makes you falling in love with Lake Toba, unfortunately I wasn't able to explore all of them because I had trip with my big family who bring many little kids, the fathers must work in the next day and the traffic is too crowded because I went here when 2017 new year holiday period.

There are more places that I should visit such as exotic beach in Sibolga, coffee garden in Sidikalang and Siantar, Lake Lau Kawar in Mt. Sinabung, and many more. Next trip, definitely will visit more places and of course I'll share to you.

North Sumatra tourism is more than amazing. You will surprise that you can find this kind of beautiful natural tourist site in Indonesia. We should explore more North Sumatra tourist sites and share to people around the world so that North Sumatra's tourism can developed in the future.

Don't just read and see the pictures of North Sumatra tourism, save your money and book a ticket to North Sumatra 👍👍

Also read:

Medan City Shows Bhineka Tunggal Ika "The Unity Diversity" Philosophy

Travelling In Toba Lake With Big Family

5 Great Tourist Cite In Solo City That Must Include In Your Trip List

How Indonesia Culture Is Highly Appreciated By International Communities

Indonesia is more than rich to consider as "Land of Paradise". Indonesia have everything in their land. Here's why:

1. Tropical climate which only have two season every year (summer and rainy)
2. The location which located between three continents Asia, Australia, and Oceania
3. The biggest island country in the world with more than 17,000 islands
4. Indonesia's natural resources is very rich. The soil is very fertile, very good for planting herbs. This because Indonesia have 400 mountains, 100 of them still active, and at least once a year there's explosion from one of those volcanoes. Under sea natural resources is also rich since Indonesia is maritime country with 2,500 fish species and 500 coral are living under sea of Indonesia.
5. Indonesia isn't only rich of natural resources, but also rich of ethnicity, languages, and religion. According to Indonesia Statistic Center (BPS) data, in 2013, the total of ethnicity in Indonesia is 633 ethnic groups. Each ethnic groups have their own uniqueness in their cultures, languages, and customs. It makes Indonesia is rich or art and culture such as traditional music, traditional dance, and religion.
6. Seven of Indonesia cultures are recognized by UNESCO as Intangible World Cultural Heritage. Those are:

• Wayang puppet show (2008) 

• Indonesia Kris (2008)

• Indonesia Batik (2009) 

• Indonesia Angklung (2010)

• Saman Dance from Gayo Tribe (2011)

• Noken multifuncitonal knotted or woven bag, handcraft of the people of Papua (2012)

• Three genres of traditional Bali dance (2015)

Barong and Keris Dance

Sanghyang Dance

Baris Upacara Dance

There are still more than what I mentioned above. With everything that Indonesia have, unfortunately, the Indonesian itself isn't really care. I don't even think they know that there are seven Indonesia culture which recognized by UNESCO as Intangible World Cultural Heritage. The natural resources is only use for making profit but only few Indonesian who care about sustainability of Indonesia natural resources.

Why this could be happen?

Honestly, I don't understand the answer. What I know and see is, most of Indonesian, especially young generation, is too crazy with other countries' culture, particularly Western and Eastern. Especially, nowadays, the massive growth of technology makes easier to catch up with foreign cultures. They think it's cool to follow foreign cultures. They think they're follow new era (or in Indonesia slank, it's said "kekinian" or "gaul").

Okay, let me tell you (Indonesian) what cool is! (See Gallery)

If Indonesia culture isn't really appreciated in Indonesia, let's see how Indonesia cultures in overseas.

This is only my personal experience during my study in Japan, in Ritsumeikan APU. I'm sure another Indonesian who study abroad like me have similar experience about how Indonesia culture give huge impact to International communities.

Ritsumeikan APU is International university owned by Ritsumeikan University Kyoto. The location is on the top of Jumonjibaru Hill, Beppu, Japan. According to APU Data Book, total there are 85 countries represented by current students, 49.5% is International students. So, it's enough to call APU as "Small World" because its multicultural environment.

Every year, there is a special event called Indonesian Week. It's part of APU event called Multicultural Week. So for one week, the chosen countries have opportunity to represent their cultures for one week and usually finished by Grand Show event. Indonesia is one of the chosen country who have opportunity to show their culture and make "Indonesia atmosphere" in APU campus.

From 2011 to 2015, I always participating in Indonesian week event, particularly in grand show and other performance team. This is the event where I realize that how rich my country and how Indonesia culture is highly appreciated by International community.

The participant of performers in Indonesian week event, whether it's daily or grand show event, are International students. Every year Indonesian week performance team is fully registered by Japanese and International students. It's surprising me at first, how International students are exciting to join Indonesian week. As Indonesian students, we teach participant from Japan and overseas students to dance or play or sing Indonesian culture. That's how we show the richness of Indonesia art and culture.

When Indonesian week start, Opening parade show is full of audiences. Indonesian corner is always full for one day, everybody keeps coming to the corner of APU cafeteria to taste Indonesia snacks, wear Indonesia traditional clothes and take a picture, and get souvenir from Indonesia for free. On the other side of APU cafeteria, Indonesia ethnic food is always sold out. Nasi Goreng is our main menu, and everybody wants to line up for Nasi Goreng even before ethnic food corner is open. Usually, it's already sold out before 1pm.

On Grand Show day, people already lined up from 2 pm even the show start at 6:30 pm. They keep line up, waiting for such a long time, and people keep coming until the line become very long. When the show start, I can hear the audiences' excitement from their applause and scream. This is why I love performing in Indonesian week grand show. After grand show, everybody is so happy, some of participants and audiences want to join next year, some of them wanna visit Indonesia someday, and some of them wanna be 'Indonesian' (they tried to speak Indonesian and act like Indonesian). 

Before I come to APU, I hate Indonesia because problems in everywhere, no solution, and nobody care about Indonesia. But after join Indonesian week in APU for 4 years, I realize that deep inside my heart, I love Indonesia so much. I never see and know that International communities in APU like Indonesia so much. 

I didn't expect that represent Indonesia culture IS COOL!!!! Call myself as Indonesian makes me proud. I didn't know people from Japan, Africa, Europe, and America, they appreciate our art and culture. It's totally different from what I see in Indonesia. They think INDONESIA CULTURE IS COOL!!!! It makes them wanna visit Indonesia and getting know more about Indonesia culture.

So, hey you Indonesia young generation, open your eyes! Wake up hey Wake up! Your country's culture is COOL MEN!!! And you still not so proud to be young generation from the most rich country in the world??? Are you still consider that foreign cultures that you like is SUPERIOR THAN INDONESIA CULTURE???? OH C'MON, THINK AGAIN MEN!!!

If International community is highly appreciate and respect Indonesia culture, HOW COME INDONESIA ITSELF DON'T APPRECIATE THEIR OWN CULTURE??? 

It's not too late now! Let's raise Indonesia art and culture to the top of the world. If we unite each other, I'm sure we can make it. Nothing Impossible. If APU Indonesian students can make International communities love Indonesia culture, then we can also do it in the real world.

For non-Indonesian reader, from now, you will see the real Indonesia in my blog page and YouTube Channel. There will be four category which are art and culture (seni), tourism cite (jalan-jalan), culinary (makan-makan), and society (orang-orang).

Let me close this article with song lyrics about Indonesia that I translate into English.

"It's not an ocean but Milk Pool. People said our land is "Land of Paradise"" (Koes Ploes - Kolam Susu)

"It's sweet like a sugar. Just like our land, Indonesia.There are so many tribes and cultures. There are Java, Sumatra, and Papua. Everything is here. Live in harmony and peace" (Pujiono - Manisnya Negeriku)

"The forest is dense like my hair, the mountain is high like my heart, the sea is large like my soul, the nature is friendly like my smile" (Koes Ploes - Nusantara)